Systems and methods for partitioning banks of processors in large computer systems

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for operatively connecting processor banks in large computer systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a computer system includes a first bank of processors, a second bank of processors spaced apart from the first bank of processors, and a connector assembly configured to operatively connect at least a portion of the first bank of processors to at least a portion of the second bank of processors. The connector assembly can include a first connector unit having a plurality of first connector sets and a second connector unit having a plurality of corresponding second connector sets. At least one of the first and second connector units is movable relative to the other one of the first and second connector units to at least approximately concurrently engage the plurality of first connector sets with the plurality of corresponding second connector sets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/713,170, filed Nov. 15, 2003, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure relates generally to systems and methods forpartitioning banks of processors in large computer systems and, moreparticularly, to connector assemblies for use in large computer systems.

BACKGROUND

Supercomputers and other large computer systems typically include alarge number of processors that are operatively connected together by ahigh performance 3D interconnect system to provide very highcomputational performance for a wide variety of scientific, engineeringand financial applications. The processors are often housed in cabinetsarranged in separate banks. The interconnect system accordingly hascables extending between the processor banks to operatively couple thebanks together to provide the necessary computational power. If a taskrequires less computational power, then the processor banks can be“partitioned” to free up the unneeded processors for other tasks.

The ability to partition one bank of processors from another bank ofprocessors enables supercomputers and other large computer systems to beefficiently scaled to meet particular needs. This allows operators ofsuch systems to lease one bank of processors to one user for one taskand another bank of processors to another user for another task. Forexample, a system can be partitioned so that one set of processors canperform classified computations while another set of processors performsunclassified computations. One objective in partitioning processors intodistinct sets that simultaneously perform both classified andunclassified computations is to ensure the security of the set ofprocessors performing the classified computations.

Software has been used to partition a first bank of processors from asecond bank of processors in a large computer system by creating anelectronic partition between the two processor banks. One shortcoming ofthis approach, however, is that it is possible for the electronicpartition to be breached.

To avoid the risks associated with electronically partitioning a firstbank of processors from a second bank of processors using software,other systems are partitioned by physically connecting/disconnecting theindividual cables between processor banks. This can be a time-consumingprocess, however, because there are typically a large number ofindividual cables extending between adjacent processor banks, and eachcable has a separate connector that must be individuallyconnected/disconnected from the adjacent processor bank. Another concernof conventional systems for physically partitioning processors is thatit is relatively easy to damage the small, delicate pins of theconnectors at the ends of the cables. Moreover, as the density andperformance of the processors increases, the cable connectors have ahigher density of pins. The increase in pin density results inconnectors that (a) have smaller and more delicate pins, (b) requiremore accuracy in aligning the pins with corresponding sockets, and (c)require more force to engage/disengage the connectors. The likelihood ofdamaging a connector pin during engagement accordingly increases as thenumber of processors increases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric top view of a large computer system configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevation view of the computer system ofFIG. 1 illustrating an arrangement of connector assemblies positionedbetween two processor banks in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of the connector assembly of FIG. 2configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view of a first connector supportconfigured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a first connector set configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is another enlarged isometric view of the connector assembly ofFIG. 2 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of a second connectorsupport illustrating features of a second connector set in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of the connector assemblyof FIG. 2 at a stage of partial engagement illustrating some alignmentfeatures of embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 9A-C are isometric views illustrating a sequence of operating theconnector assembly of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway isometric view of the connector assemblyof FIG. 2 illustrating features of a shock absorber system configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear isometric view of the second connector support of FIG.7 illustrating a quick-change feature of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes several embodiments of systems andmethods for quickly connecting and disconnecting banks of processors,I/O cabinets, and other computer components to selectively partitionlarge computer systems. One aspect of the invention is directed toward acomputer system that includes a first bank of processors spaced apartfrom a second bank of processors. The computer system further includes aconnector assembly configured to operatively connect at least a portionof the first bank of processors to at least a portion of the second bankof processors. In one embodiment, the connector assembly includes afirst connector unit carrying a plurality of first connector sets and asecond connector unit carrying a plurality of corresponding secondconnector sets. Individual first connector sets can include a pluralityof first contacts operatively connected to the first bank of processors.Similarly, individual second connector sets can include a plurality ofcorresponding second contacts operatively connected to the second bankof processors. At least one of the first and second connector units ismovable relative to the other one of the first and second connectorunits to releasably engage the plurality of first contacts with theplurality of corresponding second contacts. Engaging these contactsoperatively connects the portion of the first bank of processors to theportion of the second bank of processors.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the first connector unit furtherincludes a first connector support that carries the plurality of firstconnector sets. The first connector support allows the first connectorsets to move independently in at least one direction relative to theconnector support to facilitate engagement of the plurality of firstcontacts with the plurality of corresponding second contacts.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first connector unit furtherincludes a first alignment feature and the second connector unit furtherincludes a corresponding second alignment feature. The first and secondalignment features are configured to cooperate as the first and secondconnector units move toward each other to facilitate alignment of theplurality of first contacts with the plurality of corresponding secondcontacts.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, the computer system canadditionally include a drive assembly operatively coupled to at leastone of the first connector unit and the second connector unit. The driveassembly is configured to drive at least one of the first and secondconnector units toward the other one of the first and second connectorunits to releasably engage the plurality of first contacts with theplurality of corresponding second contacts.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for operativelyconnecting a first bank of processors to a second bank of processors ina large computer system. In one embodiment, the method includes at leastapproximately concurrently aligning a plurality of first connector setswith a corresponding plurality of second connector sets. Individualfirst connector sets can include a plurality of first contactsoperatively connected to the first bank of processors. Similarly,individual second connector sets can include a plurality ofcorresponding second contacts operatively connected to the second bankof processors. In one aspect of this embodiment, the method can furtherinclude at least approximately concurrently engaging the plurality offirst contacts with the plurality of corresponding second contacts tooperatively connect the first bank of processors to the second bank ofprocessors in the computer system.

Specific details of several embodiments of the invention are describedbelow in order to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments.Other details describing well-known structures often associated withlarge computer systems, however, are not set forth in the followingdescription to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of thevarious embodiments. Further, persons of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that the invention may have other embodiments with additionalelements or without several of the elements described below withreference to FIGS. 1-11.

In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical or atleast generally similar elements. To facilitate the discussion of anyparticular element, the most significant digit or digits of anyreference number refer to the Figure in which that element is firstintroduced. For example, element 1 10 is first introduced and discussedwith reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is an isometric top view of a large computer system 100configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In oneaspect of this embodiment, the computer system 100 includes a pluralityof processor banks 102 a-102 c and Input/Output (I/O) banks 101 a-boperatively coupled together by a plurality of connector assemblies 110(shown schematically in FIG. 1 and identified individually as connectorassemblies 110 a-110 d). Each processor bank 102 can include a pluralityof processor cabinets 104, and each processor cabinet 104 can in turnhouse a plurality of processors (not shown). In one embodiment, the I/Obanks 101 a and 101 b can house fiber-optic and electrical connections,and the middle processor banks 102 a-c can be computational processorbanks.

The computer system 100 can be partitioned to configure the processorsinto different configurations according to the specific computationaltasks being performed. For example, for very large computational tasks,all of the processor banks 102 can be operatively coupled together withthe connector assemblies 110 to provide maximum computational power.Alternatively, for smaller computational tasks, different processorbanks can be dedicated to different computational tasks. For example, inone embodiment, the processor bank 102 a can be dedicated to a firstcomputational task while the processor banks 102 b and 102 c can bededicated to another computational task. In other embodiments, otherprocessor bank groupings/arrangements are possible.

In another aspect of this embodiment described in greater detail below,the connector assemblies 110 can be utilized to partition adjacentprocessor banks 102. In this way, classified computing is performed byone of the processor banks 102 while unclassified computing is performedby a different processor bank. Partitioning the processor and I/O banksphysically, rather than electronically, prevents the partition(s)between banks from being breached to reduce the risk of compromising thesecurity of the processors performing classified computations.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevation view of the computer system 100 ofFIG. 1 illustrating an arrangement of the connector assemblies 110positioned between the second processor bank 102 b and the thirdprocessor bank 102 c in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.In one aspect of this embodiment, each of the connector assemblies 110includes a first connector unit 211 and a corresponding second connectorunit 212. The second connector unit 212 is mounted to one side of aconnector cabinet 208 positioned adjacent to the second processor bank102 b. The first connector unit 211 is mounted to distal ends ofextendable members 230 (identified individually as a first extendablemember 230 a and a second extendable member 230 b). The extendablemembers 230 extend through a cable cabinet 209 positioned adjacent tothe third processor bank 102 c. In one embodiment, the extendablemembers 230 are telescoping tube assemblies with linear bearings thatserve as a guide structure that enables the first connector unit 211 totravel back and forth along a Z axis relative to the second connectorunit 212. In other embodiments, the extendable members 230 can haveother extension features.

A plurality of first cables 220 extend from the third processor bank 102c to the first connector unit 211 through the cable cabinet 209. Whenthe first connector unit 211 is retracted as shown in FIG. 2, the cablecabinet 209 provides room for the plurality of first cables 220 torecoil. A plurality of second cables 222 similarly extend from thesecond processor bank 102 b to the second connector unit 212. Asdescribed in greater detail below, to operatively connect at least aportion of the third processor bank 102 c to the second processor bank102 b, the first connector unit 211 is released from the retractedposition and moved in the Z direction across the connector cabinet 208to engage the second connector unit 212.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of the connector assembly 110 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one aspect of thisembodiment, the first connector unit 211 includes a first connectorsupport 341 that carries a plurality of first connector sets 351. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the first connector sets 351 isoperatively coupled to one of the first cables 220 extending from thethird processor bank 102 c (FIGS. 1 and 2). The first connector support341 is attached to distal ends of the extendable members 230. Theextendable members 230 are in turn attached to fixed cabinet plates 309a and 309 b but are configured to extend and retract along the Z axis tomove the first connector unit 211 relative to the second connector unit212.

The fixed cabinet plate 309 a includes an aperture 307 that accommodatesthe plurality of first cables 220 and allows them to pass freely as thefirst connector unit 211 moves back and forth along the Z axis. A firstcable manager 321 and a second cable manager 322 help to keep theplurality of first cables 220 organized as the first connector unit 211moves back and forth along the Z axis. The second cable manager 322 hasweight that can prevent cable tangling and maintain cable tension tofacilitate movement of the first connector unit 211 toward the retractedposition. In addition, the first cable manager 321 also includes aplurality of flexible grommets 324 that hold the first cables 220 andreduce strain on the first connector sets 351 from cable forces.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first connector unit 211includes a latch 314 configured to releasably hold the first connectorunit 211 in the retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 3. Asdescribed in greater detail below, an operator can release the latch 314and move the first connector unit 211 toward the second connector unit212 along the Z axis by means of a handle 313.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view of the first connector unit 211 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one aspect of thisembodiment, each first connector set 351 includes a first connectorback-shell 454 carried by the first connector support 341. The firstconnector back-shells 454 can move a small distance in the X and/or Ydirections relative to the first connector support 341, but theback-shells 454 are constrained in the Z direction relative to the firstconnector support 341. Each first connector back-shell 454 carries afirst array frame 458 that in turn carries a first contact array 456.The first array frame 458 can move a small distance in the X and/or Ydirections relative to the first connector back-shell 454, but the firstarray frame 458 is constrained in the Z direction relative to the firstconnector back-shell 454. As described in greater detail below, themovement of the first connector back-shell 454 and the array frame 458in the X and/or Y directions facilitates alignment of the first contactarray 456 with a corresponding second contact array on the secondconnector unit 212 (FIGS. 2 and 3) during engagement of the twoconnector units.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector support 341 has arectangular shape defined by four side portions 446 (identifiedindividually as side portions 446 a-d). Each of the side portions 446can include a beveled surface 442 that, as described in greater detailbelow, facilitates macro-level alignment of the first connector support341 with the second connector unit 212 during engagement of the twoconnector units.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first connector unit 211 alsoincludes a plurality of cam followers 444 extending outwardly from thefirst side portion 446 a and the third side portion 446 c of the firstconnector support 341. The cam followers 444 can include needle bearingsfor rotatably mounting the cam followers 444 to the side portions 446for rotation about the Y axis. As described in greater detail below withrespect to one particular embodiment, the cam followers 444 can engagecorresponding cam surfaces on the second connector unit 212 tomechanically drive the first connector support 341 in the Z direction toengage the plurality of first connector sets 351 with correspondingsecond connector sets on the second connector unit 212.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the first connectorsupport 341 illustrating aspects of the first connector set 351 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first connectorback-shell 454 of this embodiment includes primary pin bores 552(identified individually as a first primary pin bore 552 a and a secondprimary pin bore 552 b). The primary pin bores 552 are configured toreceive corresponding primary guide pins on the second connector unit212 (not shown) to facilitate alignment of the first contact array 456with a corresponding second contact array on the second connector unit212. The ability of the first connector back-shell 454 to move in the Xand Y directions relative to the first connector support 341 facilitatesalignment of the primary pin bores 552 with the corresponding primaryguide pins. The primary pin bores 552 are one type of first primaryalignment element for aligning the first connector set 351 with acorresponding second connector set.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first array frame 458 includessecondary pin bores 558 (identified individually as a first secondarypin bore 558 a and a second secondary pin bore 558 b). The secondary pinbores 558 are configured to receive corresponding secondary guide pinson the second connector unit 212 to further facilitate alignment of thefirst contact array 456 with the corresponding second contact array onthe second connector unit 212. The ability of the first array frame 458to move in the X and Y directions relative to the first connectorback-shell 454 facilitates alignment of the secondary pin bores 558 withthe corresponding secondary guide pins. The secondary pin bores 558 areone type of first secondary alignment element for further aligning thefirst connector set with a corresponding second connector set.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, the first contact array 456includes a plurality of first contacts 561. In the illustratedembodiment, the first contacts 561 are sockets configured to releasablyengage corresponding connector pins (second contacts) of thecorresponding second contact array on the second connector unit 212. Theindividual first contacts 561 are arranged in columns or stacks 563 inthe first array frame 458. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, theindividual first contacts 561 in any given stack 563 are free to move upand down in the Y direction independently of the other first contacts561 in the particular stack 563. This limited movement in the Ydirection can further facilitate proper alignment between the firstcontacts 561 and corresponding second contacts on the second connectorunit 212.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of the connector assembly 110 ofFIG. 2 illustrating features of the second connector unit 212 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, thesecond connector unit 212 is attached to a fixed cabinet plate 608 ofthe connector cabinet 208 (FIG. 2). The second connector unit 212 ofthis embodiment includes a second connector support 641 that carries aplurality of second connector sets 652 configured to releasably engagethe corresponding first connector sets 351 of the first connector unit211 (FIGS. 3-5). The second connector support 641 can include fixed sideportions 682 a-b extending outwardly toward the first connector unit211. The fixed side portions 682 can include beveled surfaces 642 aconfigured to cooperate with the corresponding beveled surfaces 442(FIG. 4) on the first connector support 341 to align the first connectorsupport 341 with the second connector support 641 during initialengagement of the first connector unit 211 with the second connectorunit 212.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the second connector unit 212includes a drive assembly 670 having a lever 672 pivotally attached to abase portion 674. The lever 672 can be coupled to movable side portions684 a-b via linkages 676 a-b. The movable side portions 684 can includebeveled surfaces 642 b to further facilitate initial alignment of thefirst connector support 341 with the second connector support 641 duringengagement of the first connector unit 211 with the second connectorunit 212. The movable side portions 684 are slidably attached to thesecond connector support 641 by means of slotted holes 678. Rotation ofthe lever 672 about the base portion 674 in a direction D causes themovable side portions 684 a-b to advance from left to right in the Xdirection relative to the second connector support 641.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, each of the movable sideportions 684 includes two guide channels 686. Each of the guide channels686 is configured to receive a corresponding one of the cam followers444 extending outwardly from the first connector support 341. Inaddition, each of the guide channels 686 includes cam surfaces 687configured to contact the corresponding cam follower 444 when themovable side portions 684 move in the X direction. For example, when themovable side portions 684 advance from left to right in the X direction,the cam surfaces 687 draw the first connector support 341 into thesecond connector unit 212 to engage the plurality of first connectorsets 351 with the plurality of corresponding second connector sets 652at least approximately concurrently. Conversely, when the movable sideportions 684 retract from right to left in the X direction, the camsurfaces 687 push the first connector support 341 away from the secondconnector unit 212 to disengage the plurality of first connector sets351 from the plurality of corresponding second connector sets 652 atleast approximately concurrently. The guide channels 686 help tomaintain alignment of the first connector support 341 duringengagement/disengagement of the first and second connector sets 351 and652.

To engage the plurality of first connector sets 351 with the pluralityof second connector sets 652, an operator (not shown) releases the latch314 and moves the first connector unit 211 in the Z direction with thehandle 313. The extendable members 230 ensure that the first connectorsupport 341 is at least approximately aligned with the second connectorsupport 641 when it arrives at the second connector unit 212. When thefirst connector support 341 contacts the second connector unit 212, thebeveled surfaces 642 on the fixed side portions 682 and the movable sideportions 684 further align the first connector support 341 so that thecam followers 444 move into the guide channels 686. From this point, theoperator continues moving the first connector unit 211 in the Zdirection until the cam followers 444 are adjacent to the cam surfaces687 just past the jog in the guide channels 686. Next, the operatorrotates the lever 672 in the direction D causing the movable sideportion 684 to advance from left to right in the X direction to furtherdrive first connector sets 351 into corresponding second connector sets652 at generally the same moment as explained above. When the lever 672is at least approximately aligned with the Z axis, the first connectorsets 351 are fully engaged with the second connector sets 652 and thecam followers 444 are locked in position toward distal ends of the guidechannels 686.

The second connector unit 212 can include additional safety features toprevent inadvertent engagement with the first connector unit 211. In oneaspect of this embodiment, a blocking pin 692 must be retracted to clearthe way forward for the first connector support 341 before moving thefirst connector support 341 into the second connector unit 212. Thissafety feature prevents the first connector unit 211 from inadvertentlybeing rammed into the second connector unit 212 and causing damage tothe connector sets. In another aspect of this embodiment, a lever lock694 must be disengaged to unlock the lever 672 before rotating the lever672. The lever lock 694 can be re-engaged when the lever 672 is at leastapproximately aligned with the Z axis to lock the first connector unit211 in engagement with the second connector unit 212.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of the secondconnector support 641 illustrating features of one particular type ofsecond connector set 652 in greater detail. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7, each second connector sets 652 includes a plurality of secondcontacts 762 arranged in a second contact array 756. The second contacts762 in this embodiment are connector pins configured to releasablyengage corresponding sockets (i.e., the first contacts 561 of FIG. 5).The second contact array 756 is carried by a second array frame 748, andthe second array frame 748 is attached to the second connector support641. The second array frame 748 includes two beveled surfaces 742configured to align the corresponding first array frame 458 (FIG. 5)before the first contact array 456 engages the second contact array 756.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the second connector set 652 caninclude two primary guide pins 752 a-b and two secondary guide pins 758a-b. The primary guide pins 752 can define second primary alignmentelements, and the secondary guide pins 758 can define second secondaryalignment elements. The two primary guide pins 752 extend outwardly fromthe second connector support 641 and are configured to be received inthe primary pin bores 552 on the corresponding first connectorback-shell 454 (FIG. 5). The secondary guide pins 758 extend outwardlyfrom the second array frame 748 and are configured to be received in thesecondary pin bores 558 on the corresponding first array frame 458 (FIG.5).

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of the connector assembly110 illustrating some of the alignment features discussed above withreference to FIGS. 4-7. The first connector sets 351 illustrated in FIG.8 are at an initial stage of engagement with the corresponding secondconnector sets 652. At this stage, the first beveled surfaces 442 of thefirst connector support 341 and the second beveled surfaces 642 a of thesecond connector support 641 have guided the first connector support 341into the second connector support 641 to provide initial alignment ofthe first connector sets 351 with respect to corresponding secondconnector sets 652. In addition, the primary guide pins 752 arepartially received in corresponding primary pin bores 552 of the firstconnector back-shells 454. The primary guide pins 752 further refine thealignment between the first connector sets 351 and corresponding secondconnector sets 652. More specifically, the back-shells 454 move in theX-Y plane as the tapered ends of the guide pins 752 move along thetapered opening of the bores 552. Further movement of the firstconnector unit 211 toward the second connection unit 212 in the Zdirection causes the secondary guide pins 758 to be received in thesecondary pin bores 558 on corresponding first array frames 458. Thesecondary guide pins 758 provide even further refinement of thealignment between the first connector sets 351 and corresponding secondconnector sets 652 because the first array frames 458 move in the X-Yplane when the tapered ends of the secondary guide pins pass through thetapered openings of the secondary bores 558.

At this point, however, the first contacts 561 are still not engagedwith the second contacts 762. Further movement of the first connectorunit 211 in the Z direction causes the beveled surfaces 742 on thesecond array frame 748 (FIG. 7) to further align the first array frame458 (FIG. 5) before the first contacts 561 begin engaging the secondcontacts 762. Continued movement in the Z direction causes the firstcontacts 561 to engage the corresponding second contacts 762. Duringthis engagement, the ability of the individual first contacts 561 (FIG.5) to move independently in the Y direction relative to each otherprovides yet another level of alignment to reduce the likelihood ofdamaging connector pins.

In one embodiment as described above with reference to FIG. 6, the finalmovement of the first connector unit 211 toward the second connectorunit 212 for engagement of the first contacts 561 with the secondcontacts 762 is provided by the drive assembly 670. In this embodiment,movement of the side portions 684 (FIG. 6) from left to right in the Xdirection causes the cam surfaces 687 to uniformly draw the four camfollowers 444 deeper into the corresponding guide channels 686. Theuniform movement of the first connector support 341 toward the secondconnector unit 212 helps to maintain alignment of the plurality of firstcontacts 561 with the plurality of corresponding second contacts 762 asthey are at least approximately concurrently engaged.

The staged alignment features described above and illustrated in FIG. 8greatly reduce the likelihood of damaging an individual contact duringmating of the first connector sets 351 with the second connector sets652. These alignment features move the respective connector sets in theX-Y plane as required to accurately align the individual first contacts561 with corresponding second contacts 762. In addition, the flexiblegrommets 324 discussed above support the first cables 220 in a mannerthat complements these alignment features by providing additional strainrelief from cable loads to allow the back-shells 454 to move more freelyin the X-Y plane.

The aspect of mounting a plurality of first connector sets 351 on aunitary member such as the first connector support 341 also offerscertain advantages. For example, this configuration enables multipleconnector sets to be connected together at least approximatelyconcurrently to eliminate independently connecting each connector. Thedrive assembly 670 described above with reference to FIG. 6, moreover,provides sufficient force to engage and disengage the plurality of firstconnector sets 351 from the plurality of second connector sets 652 anddistributes the force against multiple points around the first connectorsupport 341 to ensure continued alignment.

Although the foregoing discussion describes selected aspects of certainembodiments of the invention, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many of the structures described above have alternateembodiments consistent with this disclosure. For example, although thedrive assembly 670 described above with reference to FIG. 6 is amanually operated device, in other embodiments, connector assembliesconfigured in accordance with the present invention can includeautomatic drive assemblies. In one such embodiment, a connector assemblycan include a hydraulic or pneumatic drive assembly that utilizeshydraulic/pneumatic pressure to engage the first connector unit 211 withthe second connector unit 212. In another embodiment, a mechanical drivescrew can be employed to move the first connector unit 211 toward thesecond connector unit 212 for engagement. The drive screw can be driven,for example, by an electric stepper motor. Furthermore, the guidechannels 686 and the cam surfaces 687 described above with reference toFIG. 6 represent but one mechanical system for exerting a drive force onthe first connector unit 211 to move the first connector support 341toward/away from the second connector support 641 and overcome thecontact engagement forces. Accordingly, in other embodiments, othermechanical, electrical, magnetic, pneumatic and/or hydraulic systems canbe used.

In addition, although some of the alignment features described aboveinclude beveled surfaces and/or alignment pins, in other embodiments,other alignment features can be utilized without departing from thepresent disclosure. For example, in another embodiment, an opticalalignment system could be used instead of a physical alignment system.In further embodiments, other physical alignment systems, such as aroller/track alignment system, can be used to align the plurality offirst connector sets 351 with the plurality of second connector sets 652before engagement. Furthermore, although the plurality of firstconnector sets 351 described above have a plurality of contacts, inother embodiments, connectors having only one contact can be used. Inyet other embodiments, a connector unit configured in accordance withthe present invention can include some connector sets having a pluralityof contacts and other connector sets having only one contact. Based onthe foregoing discussion, those of ordinary skill in the relevant artwill appreciate that the present invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-8.

FIGS. 9A-C are isometric views illustrating a sequence of operating theconnector assembly 110 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. In FIG. 9A the connector assembly 110 is in the retractedposition as would be appropriate, for example, when partitioning a firstbank of processors from a second bank of processors in a very largecomputer system such as the computer system 100 of FIG. 1. In thisposition, the latch 314 engages the first connector support 341 toprevent the first connector unit 211 from inadvertently moving in the Zdirection toward the second connector unit 212. In addition, thisposition allows an operator (not shown) to visually inspect the firstconnector sets 351 and the second connector sets 652 to ensure that theassociated contacts are in good condition and suitable for engagement.The latch 314 can then be released to unlock the first connector unit211 for movement in the Z direction. In one embodiment, inspecting theconnector sets 351 and 652 and unlocking the first connector unit 211can take the operator about 12 seconds or less. In another embodiment,these steps can take the operator about 5 seconds or less.

Referring next to FIG. 9B, the operator grasps the handle 313 on thefirst connector unit 211 and manually moves the first connector unit 211toward the second connector unit 212 in the Z direction. The extendablemembers 230 telescope outwardly toward the second connector unit 212 andhold the first connector unit 211 in approximate alignment with thesecond connector unit 212. After traversing the distance to the secondconnector unit 212, the operator retracts the blocking pin 692 (FIG. 6)to clear the way forward and continues to move the first connector unit211 in the Z direction until the first connector support 341 moves intothe second connector unit 212 and the cam followers 444 move into theguide channels 686. This motion continues until the cam followers 444arrive at the jog in the guide channels 686 adjacent to the cam surfaces687. In this embodiment, moving the first connector support 341 intothis position from the retracted position can take the operator about 3seconds or less. In another embodiment, these steps can take theoperator about 2 seconds or less.

Referring next to FIG. 9C, once the cam followers 444 are adjacent tothe cam surfaces 687 on the movable side portions 684, the operatorreleases the lever lock 694 (FIG. 6) and rotates the lever 672 indirection D causing the movable side portions 684 to advance from leftto right in the X direction. This motion drives the first connectorsupport 341 deeper into the second connector unit 212 to engage theplurality of first connector sets 351 with corresponding secondconnector sets 652 in a single operation. In this embodiment, theoperator can perform these steps in about 3 seconds or less.

The foregoing discussion illustrates that the operator can at leastapproximately concurrently engage multiple pairs of connector sets in atotal of about 18 seconds or less in one embodiment of the invention.The ability to accurately align and engage multiple connector sets thisquickly with little risk of damaging the connectors can greatly simplifythe task of operatively coupling/decoupling one bank of processors toanother bank of processors in a large computer system.

FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway isometric view of the connector assembly110 illustrating features of a shock absorber system 1030 configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Some of the structuresdescribed above and illustrated in the preceding Figures have beenomitted from FIG. 10 for purposes of clarity. In the illustratedembodiment, the shock absorber system 1030 includes a shock absorberbody 1032 fixedly attached to the first cable manager 321. A firstsnubber 1034 extends outwardly from the body 1032 through an aperture1043 in the first connector support 341. The first snubber 1034 ismovable back and forth in the Z direction relative to the body 1032 andis operably connected to a damping mechanism (not shown) containedwithin the body 1032. The dampening mechanism resists motion of thefirst snubber 1034 in proportion to the rate of snubber motion. In oneembodiment, the dampening mechanism can be a pneumatic device. In otherembodiments, the dampening mechanism can be other types of devices suchas a hydraulic device. In yet other embodiments, the dampening mechanismcan include a spring to provide the desired amount of compressiondampening.

Another aspect of this embodiment is that the second connector unit 212includes a second snubber 1036 extending outwardly from the secondconnector support 641 in axial alignment with the first snubber 1034.When the first connector unit 211 is moved toward the second connectorunit 212 for engagement of the respective connector sets, the secondsnubber 1036 contacts the first snubber 1034 before any portion of thefirst connector sets 351 contacts the second connector sets 652. In thisway, the shock absorber system 1030 prevents damage to the connectorsets 351 and 652 caused by inadvertently ramming the first connectorunit 211 into the second connector unit 212. After initial snubbercontact, further movement of the first connector unit 211 in the Zdirection proceeds at a controlled rate dictated by the amount ofdampening provided by the mechanism contained in the shock absorber body1032.

The shock absorber system 1030 described above and illustrated in FIG.10 is but one dampening method that can be employed to prevent or reducethe likelihood of damage during engagement of the first connector unit211 with the second connector unit 212. Accordingly, in otherembodiments, the connector assembly 110 can include other dampeningfeatures. For example, in one embodiment, dampening features can beincorporated into the extendable members 230 that support the firstconnector support 341. In yet another embodiment, dampening features canbe omitted.

FIG. 11 is an exploded rear isometric view of the second connector unit212 illustrating a quick-change feature of one embodiment of theinvention. In one aspect of this embodiment, the second contact array756 and the associated array frame 748 are held in position on thesecond connector support 641 by a removable retainer 1170. A secondconnector back-shell 744 operatively couples the second contact array756 to the second processor bank 102 b (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the eventthat the second contact array 756 is damaged during use or is otherwiseinoperative, it can be replaced individually without having to accessthe other contact arrays on the second connector unit 212. First, thesecond connector back-shell 744 is disengaged from the second contactarray 756. Next, the retainer 1170 is removed from the second connectorsupport 641 allowing the second contact array 756 and the associatedsecond array frame 748 to be moved clear of the second connector support641. A new second contact array 756 can then be installed in the vacantaperture in the second connector support 641 and held in position withthe retainer 1170. Finally, the second connector back-shell 744 can beconnected to the new second contact array 756.

One feature of embodiments of the invention described above withreference to FIGS. 1-11 is that the respective connector sets arealigned in stages as the connector sets move closer together. In oneembodiment, one stage of alignment is provided by beveled surfaces thatalign the respective connector supports. Another stage of alignment isprovided by primary guide pins and corresponding primary pin bores thatalign the respective connector back-shells. A further stage of alignmentis provided by secondary guide pins and corresponding secondary pinbores that align the respective contact array frames. The ability of theconnector back-shells and the contact array frames on at least one ofthe connector supports to move small distances in the X-Y planefacilitates the alignments stages and greatly reduces the probability ofdamaging a connector pin or socket during engagement of thecorresponding connector sets.

Engagement of individual connector sets with large numbers of pins canrequire a significant force at final engagement. This force naturallyincreases as the number of connector sets increases, and may be as highas 500 lbs. for a relatively large number of connector sets. Anotherfeature of embodiments of the invention described above is that thedrive assembly 670 (FIG. 6) can provide a relatively large and uniformlydistributed force for engagement of respective connector sets. Thisforce enables a relatively large number of connector sets to be engagedat least approximately concurrently. This feature saves time and canreduce or prevent damage to individual connector pins/sockets whenconnecting one processor bank to another processor bank.

The blocking pin 692 and the lever lock 694 (FIG. 6) are further aspectsof embodiments of the invention described above. In one embodiment,these safety features must be affirmatively retracted by an operatorbefore the first connector unit 211 can be engaged with thecorresponding second connector unit 212. Accordingly, these safetyfeatures prevent inadvertent contact between the respective connectorsets that could result in damage to one or more of the connectorpins/sockets.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thespirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is notlimited except as by the appended claims.

1.-66. (canceled)
 67. A method for operably connecting a first bank ofprocessors to a second bank of processors, the method comprising: atleast approximately concurrently aligning a plurality of first connectorsets with a plurality of corresponding second connector sets; and atleast approximately concurrently engaging the first connector sets withthe second connector sets to operably connect the first bank ofprocessors to the second bank of processors.
 68. The method of claim 67wherein individual first connector sets include a plurality of firstcontacts operatively connected to the first bank of processors, whereinindividual second connector sets include a plurality of second contactsoperatively connected to the second bank of processors, and wherein atleast approximately concurrently engaging the plurality of firstconnector sets with the plurality of second connector sets includesengaging the plurality of first contacts with the plurality of secondcontacts.
 69. The method of claim 67 wherein at least approximatelyconcurrently engaging the plurality of first connector sets with theplurality of second connector sets includes manually driving the firstconnector sets at least approximately concurrently toward the secondconnector sets.
 70. The method of claim 67 wherein at leastapproximately concurrently engaging the plurality of first connectorsets with the plurality of second connector sets includes mechanicallydriving the first connector sets at least approximately concurrentlytoward the second connector sets.
 71. The method of claim 67 wherein atleast approximately concurrently aligning the plurality of firstconnector sets with the plurality of corresponding second connector setsincludes receiving at least a first alignment pin in a correspondingfirst pin bore.
 72. The method of claim 67 wherein at leastapproximately concurrently engaging the plurality of first connectorsets with the plurality of second connector sets includes operativelyconnecting a first bank of processors to a second bank of processors.73. The method of claim 67 wherein at least approximately concurrentlyengaging the plurality of first connector sets with the plurality ofsecond connector sets includes simultaneously engaging the plurality offirst connector sets with the plurality of second connector sets. 74.The method of claim 67 wherein the plurality of first connector sets arecarried by a first connector support and the plurality of secondconnector sets are carried by a corresponding second connector support,and wherein at least approximately concurrently aligning the pluralityof first connector sets with the plurality of corresponding secondconnector sets includes at least approximately concurrently aligning thefirst connector support relative to the second connector support. 75.The method of claim 67 wherein the plurality of first connector sets arecarried by a first connector support and the plurality of secondconnector sets are carried by a corresponding second connector support,and wherein at least approximately concurrently aligning a plurality offirst connector sets with a plurality of corresponding second connectorsets includes: achieving a first level of alignment by aligning thefirst connector support relative to the second connector support; andachieving a second level of alignment by aligning individual firstconnector sets relative to corresponding second connector sets, whereinthe second level of alignment is closer than the first level ofalignment.
 76. The method of claim 67 wherein the plurality of firstconnector sets are carried by a first connector support and theplurality of second connector sets are carried by a corresponding secondconnector support, wherein individual first connector sets include firstconnector back-shells and first contact array frames carried by thefirst connector back-shells, wherein corresponding second connector setsinclude corresponding second connector back-shells and second contactarray frames carried by the second connector back-shells, and wherein atleast approximately concurrently aligning the plurality of firstconnector sets with corresponding second connector sets includes:achieving a first level of alignment by aligning the first connectorsupport relative to the second connector support; achieving a secondlevel of alignment by aligning individual first connector back-shellsrelative to corresponding second connector back-shells, wherein thesecond level of alignment is closer than the first level of alignment;and achieving a third level of alignment by aligning individual firstcontact array frames relative to corresponding second contact arrayframes, wherein the third level of alignment is closer than the secondlevel of alignment. 77.-89. (canceled)
 90. A method for operablyconnecting a first bank of processors to a second bank of processors,the method comprising: operably connecting a first connector unit to thefirst bank of processors, wherein the first connector unit includes afirst connector support and a plurality of first connector sets mountedto the first connector support; operably connecting a second connectorunit to the second bank of processors, wherein the second connector unitincludes a second connector support and a plurality of second connectorsets mounted to the second connector support, and wherein the secondconnector unit is carried by at least one extendable mechanism thatextends and retracts to accommodate movement of the second connectorunit relative to the first connector unit; at least approximatelyaligning the second connector unit with the first connector unit; and atleast approximately concurrently engaging the second connector sets withthe first connector sets by moving the extendable mechanism toward thefirst connector unit.
 91. The method of claim 90 wherein at leastapproximately concurrently engaging the second connector sets with thefirst connector sets includes allowing the first connector sets to moveindependent of each other on the first connector support in at least onedirection relative to the first connector support.
 92. The method ofclaim 90 wherein at least approximately concurrently engaging the secondconnector sets with the first connector sets includes: allowing thefirst connector sets to move independent of each other on the firstconnector support in at least one direction relative to the firstconnector support; and allowing the second connector sets to moveindependent of each other on the second connector support in at leastone direction relative to the second connector support.
 93. The methodof claim 90 wherein at least approximately aligning the second connectorunit with the first connector unit includes engaging a first alignmentfeature on the first connector unit with a corresponding secondalignment feature on the second connector unit before engaging thesecond connector sets with the first connector sets.
 94. The method ofclaim 90 wherein at least approximately aligning the second connectorunit with the first connector unit includes receiving at least a firstalignment pin in a corresponding first pin bore before engaging thesecond connector sets with the first connector sets.
 95. The method ofclaim 90 wherein at least approximately aligning the second connectorunit with the first connector unit includes inserting at least one guidepin carried by the second connector unit with a corresponding guide pinbore carried by the first connector unit before engaging the secondconnector sets with the first connector sets.
 96. The method of claim 90wherein at least approximately concurrently engaging the secondconnector sets with the first connector sets includes manually drivingthe second connector sets at least approximately concurrently toward thefirst connector sets.
 97. The method of claim 90 wherein at leastapproximately concurrently engaging the second connector sets with thefirst connector sets includes mechanically driving the second connectorsets at least approximately concurrently toward the first connectorsets.
 98. The method of claim 90 wherein at least approximatelyconcurrently engaging the second connector sets with the first connectorsets includes simultaneously engaging the second connector sets with thefirst connector sets.
 99. The method of claim 90 wherein at leastapproximately aligning the second connector unit with the firstconnector unit includes: achieving a first level of alignment byaligning the second connector support relative to the first connectorsupport; and achieving a second level of alignment by aligningindividual second connector sets relative to corresponding firstconnector sets, wherein the second level of alignment is closer than thefirst level of alignment.